NEWS Musos given new boost By NICOLA WOLFE nicola.wolfe@fairfaxmedia.co.nz world stage. The company, Jae Bedford Entertainment, has recently added recording facilities to its practice rooms with the intention of promoting and developing new and current artists. Chief executive officer Jae Bedford says Oamaru is full of talent but local artists often struggle to find a platform for their music. The agency hopes to help them A find it. ‘‘The whole idea behind these services is to provide artists with all the essential tools to get them out into the industry and entertain,’’ Bedford says. The facilities will allow singer/ songwriters to professionally record demos and promos that can be uploaded onto a variety of online mediums. ‘‘Part of the technology of the day is for an artist to present their music to the world through websites like You Tube and Reverbnation. ‘‘We can help with this process.’’ Due to the nature of the indus- try, Bedford says many record companies will no longer take risks on new artists. ‘‘There are stars with big hits and big debts to the record com- local events company is getting ready to bring Oamaru’s talent to the panies. [There’s] no cost to our risk with these sites,’’ he says. The agency runs side by side with Bedford’s other business, The Bedford School of Music, which offers a variety of musical tuition including lessons in guitar, drums, piano, singing, performance and songwriting. Though the school of music feeds into the entertainment agency, Bedford says artists that record with the company are not expected to attend, rather it’s a resource they can use to build their skills. ‘‘The school is there for artists who want to develop their skills,’’ he says. ‘‘And the agency is there for students from the school who want to promote their music.’’ The company has been designed to run as an agency rather than as a manager to help develop artists’ creativity and talent. ‘‘A manager tends to dictate what the artist needs to do and wear, whereas an agent promotes the artist,’’ Bedford says. ‘‘There is an amazing amount of talent in Oamaru. We want to foster and grow the talent anyway we can.’’ The school, agency and recording facilities are independent entities that work together to support the artist, he says. ‘‘We’re an Oamaru company and we care about the entertainment industry here.’’ WAITAKI HERALD, SEPTEMBER 17, 2014 9 Fathers Day triplets: An Oamaru father Gordon Smith was thrilled when he received three identical Father’s Day cards this year. Smith received one card from each of his daughters who live in different cities. One card arrived from Dunedin, another from Oamaru and another from Melbourne. Smith says the identical cards made his day extra special. ‘‘It made myday to be quite honest. They certainly mademelaugh.’’ Timaru Sewing Centre New Season Dress Fabrics in store now MC6600P $3,499 NOW $1,999 TIME ONLY • A beautifully built model, extra fast, precise, accurate dressmaking and quilting. • Enter our Make ‘n Model Competition to have the opportunity to win this model! 999 FOR A LIMITED TIM RE1306 • Set stitches, straight, zig-zag, blind hem, 4-step buttonhole. • A low cost machine that has an internal metal framework! SEWING MACHINES PRICED FROM $199 8002DX OVERLOCKERS PRICED FROM $449 173 Stafford Street - down the south end of Stafford opposite the bright orange Goods 2U Shop. Sewing/Design Competition Create and sew an outfit using either a commercial pattern as your base or draught your own pattern! You can make the outfit to fit yourself and model it OR make the clothing to fit a friend or family member to model on your behalf at an exciting show! It is all about style and fashion. Be creative and add your own fl air! For further information please ask in store or visit www.timarusewing.co.nz and click on Competitions for all downloads of forms and conditions. Ph/Fax (03) 688 6764 Email:timarusewingcentre@clear.net.nz Visit: www.timarusewing.co.nz IN STORE, Online or Excellent Section Prizes JANOME Sewing Machines for Supreme Winners! celebrating 10 Years in Business Photo: SUE STOTT/FAIRFAX NZ 6262158AA